Line length, or the number of characters per line, is an important factor for readability and aesthetics in web design. Too long or too short lines can make the text hard to follow, strain the eyes, or create unwanted gaps. In this article, you will learn how to optimize line length for responsive typography, which adapts to different screen sizes and devices.
Line length affects how the text looks and how the reader perceives it. Ideally, you want to create a balance between the width of the text and the height of the font, so that the text is easy to scan and comfortable to read. Research suggests that the optimal line length for web content is between 50 and 75 characters, or 10 to 15 words. However, this is not a fixed rule, as different fonts, languages, and contexts may require different adjustments.
The optimal length of a line varies all the way from 50 to 110 characters, although you'll find 75 cited a lot. Some languages relies on longer or shorter words, which will affect the amount of words you can fit. The length of the line is not your only measurement, you also need to consider in the context of how tight or loose the leading is. Dyslexic people in particular will struggle with too short or too long lines.
In terms of words per line I would suggest no more than 5 to 9 words per line for mobile and 11 to 13 words per line for desktop. This is the optically optimum for comfortable reading.
Line length is crucial to visual communication because it impacts both aesthetics and readability. I find to ease the stress of reading keep the line length for content between 50 and 75 characters, roughly 10 to 15 words (research suggests). However with varying typefaces, languages, and contexts may require adjustments. Also, keep your line height to be between 1.3% to 1.5% that of the font size for improved legibility.
Line length is vital in design as it influences readability and visual appeal. Striking a balance between text width and font height ensures a smooth reading experience. Ideally, lines should span 50 to 75 characters, about 10 to 15 words, especially for web content. This isn't set in stone, though. Different fonts, languages, and contexts might need tweaks. Too long, and the reader's eyes tire; too short, and the text feels choppy. It's all about finding that sweet spot where the text flows naturally, encouraging easy scanning and comfortable reading. Well-adjusted line lengths can significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of your text.
The simplest way to measure line length is to count the number of characters or words in a line of text. However, this can be tedious and inaccurate, especially if you have different font sizes, weights, or styles. A better way is to use a tool that calculates the line length automatically, such as the Measure tool in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, or the CSS property ch , which stands for character units. For example, max-width: 75ch would limit the width of a text element to 75 characters.
This may be one of the easiest challenges to solve. The general rule of thumb is to set the line height between 115-150% of the font size. Keep in mind these values are based on a variety of factors including: Font Style, Font Size, and so on. For example, if the body font is 16px (1rem) your line height should be between 1.3 / 20.8px (16*1.3) or 1.5 / 24px (16*1.5). However, I always experiment with font sizes larger than 24px as there's a bit more flexibility when it comes to larger font sizes and ADA Compliance.
In design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, the Measure tool simplifies this process, providing precise measurements that are vital for creating visually appealing and balanced layouts. For web design, the CSS property 'ch', denoting character units, is particularly useful. Setting 'max-width: 75ch', for instance, confines the width of a text block to 75 characters. This control is essential in marketing, where message clarity and ease of reading can significantly influence user engagement and conversion rates.
There are several ways to adjust line length for responsive typography, depending on your design goals and preferences. For instance, you can use relative units, such as percentages, ems, rems, or viewport units, to set the width of the text container. This allows the text to scale proportionally to the screen size and the font size. Alternatively, you can use media queries, breakpoints, or grid systems to change the width of the text container or the font size at different screen sizes. This gives you more control over the layout and the appearance of the text. Finally, fluid typography is a technique that combines relative units, calc functions, and custom properties to create a smooth transition between different font sizes and line lengths. This creates a more dynamic and adaptive typography that responds to the screen size and device orientation.
Testing line length is an essential part of optimizing responsive typography, as it helps you evaluate the readability and the aesthetics of the text. You can use online tools, such as WebAIM's Readability Checker or Typewolf's Line Length Tester, to measure and compare the line length of different web pages or fonts. Additionally, browser tools like Chrome DevTools or Firefox Developer Tools can be used to inspect and modify the line length of any web page or element. Lastly, real devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktops can be used to view and read the text on different screen sizes and resolutions.
Improving line length is more than just finding the right number of characters or words per line; it's also about enhancing the overall readability and appearance of the text. To achieve this, you can use adequate spacing, such as margins, paddings, line heights, and letter spacings, to create a clear visual hierarchy and rhythm. Additionally, you can use appropriate alignment, such as left, right, center, or justify, to create a harmonious relationship between the text and the page. Contrast, color, and typography are also important elements to consider when optimizing line length. By using font families, weights, styles, and sizes appropriately, you can create a distinctive identity and mood for your web content. In conclusion, optimizing line length is essential for creating a better user experience and engaging web content.
Sometimes you can learn from the layout grid basic design method of graphic design, for you to arrange the length and space of the page will be helpful.